subject: How to Choose Dresses for Plus Size Bridesmaids [print this page] How to Choose Dresses for Plus Size Bridesmaids
Your friend or relative is getting married and you have been asked to be a bridesmaid. You are a full-figured woman with curves and a desire to wear a bridesmaid dress that flatters. You wonder what cuts and designs are flattering to your body. Here are some tips to help you purchase a beautiful and flattering look.
First, if the bride isn't aware, tell her not all bridesmaids have identical figures and can wear the same style dress. A common practice is the selection of the color by the bride, but different styles of dress so each bridesmaid flatters herself and the bride. Also a mixture of short and long dresses can compliment women adding elegance to the wedding party.
Full figured women types
When a woman is full-figured she normally has a body shape of three types:
Hourglass figure where her hips and shoulders are approximately the same size
Pear-shaped figure where her weight is carried in her hips and thighs
Rounded figure where her weight is carried in the middle of her body
No matter the body shape, certain fashion accents or styles will be unflattering to a full-figured woman. Wearing horizontally designed dresses will draw unwanted attention to the widest area of a woman's body. Clingy and tightly fitted dresses will draw attention to every bulge and bump on a plus-sized woman.
Dresses should be one color as two or more colors will be unflattering. Symmetrical hemlines on dresses and the use of vertical draping will flatter a woman with up and down looks, not straight across. Dresses can be flowing layers, but layers must be to a minimum to avoid fashion disasters. The fabric type and weight should match the dress and season.
Wearing a dress that is a size or so larger does not help a woman appear smaller. A larger dress creates the illusion a woman is formless and larger than her actual size. Strapless dresses are unflattering unless they fit perfectly and do not create bulges above the top lines of the dress.
Waistlines can be:
Empire-styled that draws attention upward from the smallest part of the waist
A-line that is fitted at the bodice and flows outward
Pleated or gathered in a diagonal crisscross across the waist
These waistlines create a flattering look for plus-sized bridesmaids.
Busty women should seek dresses that:
Accommodate supportive undergarments
Fit correctly to avoid bulges and a squeezed-in look
Contain wider straps to hide undergarment straps
Use round, sweetheart or v-necked styled necklines
Provide a soft feminine look
Flattering sleeves are:
Arms on plus-sized women require a becoming look.
the 3/4 sleeve
the floaty sleeve
petal sleeves with slits
the elbow sleeve
sleeves reminiscent of kimono-type dress
Sleeves that are flowing will add balance to full-figures. Sleeveless dresses flatter women with perfect arms and shoulders.
Flattering arm covers
A final suggestion is the use of arm covers that are flattering.
Popular items are:
bolero jackets
shawl jackets
fringed shawls
gossamer shawls
As a plus-sized bridesmaid, you can look beautiful by following these simple tips. Your selection of a dress will flatter your figure and avoid a fashion disaster on this important day.
